The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have agreed to strengthen collaboration on diaspora tourism and the implementation of the Door of Return initiative as part of efforts to position Nigeria as a leading destination for cultural reconnection and heritage experiences.
This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NTDA, Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, where both agencies discussed strategic partnerships aimed at promoting tourism products and deepening engagement with Nigerians and people of African descent in the diaspora.
During the meeting, Awakan underscored the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to attract more visitors and investment from the diaspora community. He highlighted several key initiatives being championed by the tourism agency, including the Nigerian Tourism Investment Opportunities and Economic Roundtable (NITOUREY), the Naija Flavour project, reforms of the national tour guide system, and preparations for the forthcoming Naija Flavour International Tourism Expo (NAFITO).
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According to the NTDA Director-General, these initiatives are designed to boost domestic and international tourism, create new opportunities within the sector, and strengthen cultural ties between Nigeria and its global diaspora.
The discussions also centred on the Door of Return initiative, a programme aimed at reconnecting people of African descent with their ancestral roots and promoting Nigeria as a major destination for heritage and remembrance tourism.
In recognition of her contributions to diaspora engagement and efforts to project Nigeria’s image positively on the global stage, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa was decorated as a Tourism Ambassador.
Speaking during the engagement, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to telling Nigeria’s story from a positive perspective and using tourism and diaspora engagement as tools for national development, economic growth, and cultural diplomacy.
The renewed partnership between NTDA and NiDCOM is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s efforts to attract diaspora visitors, promote cultural tourism, and showcase the country’s diverse heritage to the international community.
The collaboration aligns with the vision of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to harness tourism and cultural assets as key drivers of economic diversification and national development.
